Combatting Back Pain: The Hidden Risk of Desk Jobs

Combatting Back Pain

Combatting Back Pain: The Hidden Risk of Desk Jobs

The advent of the pandemic has sparked a renewed emphasis on health and fitness. Yet, despite our best efforts, the realities of modern life often conspire against us. A significant number of people are tethered to desk jobs that entail sitting for extended periods, a practice that can lead to back pain. So, how can we mitigate these aches while maintaining our desk-bound occupations? And more importantly, what exactly causes back pain?

Backaches can stem from a variety of factors, manifesting as anything from a mild, dull ache to severe, sharp pains. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, backaches can be classified into two categories – acute and chronic. Acute back pain is short-lived, typically lasting a few days to weeks, and generally resolves with basic self-care and exercise. Chronic back pain, however, persists for 12 weeks or more, even in the absence of an identifiable cause or injury. Alarmingly, research indicates that sitting may contribute to lower back pain, an issue that afflicts 80% of adults at some point in their lives.

Sitting for extended periods is a known culprit for backaches, but there are several other potential causes. Poor posture, for instance, can place undue stress on your shoulders, neck, and back. Slouching or slumping while working can stretch your spine’s ligaments, leading to back pain. The height of your desk and computer monitor can also impact your back health. If the monitor is set too low or high, it can encourage slouching or slumping. Moreover, sitting compresses the spine more than standing does, reducing circulation in your sponge and straining it. Consequently, prolonged sitting can lead to lower back pain due to the sustained seated position.

Other potential causes of lower back pain include sciatica – a condition caused by compression or irritation in the sciatic nerve in the lower back – and spondylolisthesis, which involves the vertebrae fusing together and can result in a hunched posture. In some cases, a bulging disc in the spine pressing on a spinal nerve can also cause back pain. These conditions can often be managed with physical therapy or medication.

So, how can we alleviate lower back pain? The first line of defense, as recommended by medical professionals, is maintaining an active lifestyle. Regular exercise, whether it’s a brisk walk or an intense gym session, can help alleviate body aches and ailments. However, moderation is key; overdoing it can be counterproductive.

One potential solution to combat the ill-effects of prolonged sitting is the use of a standing desk. The best sit stand desks encourage users to alternate between sitting and standing positions, promoting movement and reducing the strain on the back. According to a study titled “Call Center Productivity Over 6 Months Following a Standing Desk Intervention,” incorporating standing desks into the workplace boosted productivity among call center workers. Another study, “Sit-stand workstations and impact on low back discomfort: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” further confirmed that these desks help alleviate lower back pain.

Another potential remedy for lower back pain is heat and ice therapy. While ice can reduce inflammation and swelling following an injury, it can also decrease circulation over time. Heat therapy, on the other hand, boosts circulation and may improve movement. A study by the National Library of Medicine found heat therapy to be particularly beneficial for lower back pain.

If all else fails, over-the-counter pain relievers may provide temporary relief from inflammation and discomfort. However, these should not be viewed as a long-term solution.

In conclusion, while desk jobs and prolonged sitting can lead to back pain, there are several strategies available to mitigate these effects. From maintaining an active lifestyle to choosing an electric height adjustable standing desk, every small step towards better posture and movement can make a significant difference. While back pain can be a persistent issue, remember, it’s not an inevitable part of desk-bound life.

author avatar
Guy Director
Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Ergomotion Director since 2005.

Google Reviews

Ergomotion

Google Reviews

Shelley Jensen 07/09/24

Google
Guy (the owner) delivered the desk and set it up quickly. He then gave me a lesson on how to use it and how to get the most out of it. Arrived on time and was absolutely lovely to deal with throughout the whole process. Highly recommend.

clifford sneider 06/09/24

Google
Guy was fantastic and the desk is amazing

Jo Manning 08/08/24

Google
I bought an adjustable desk from Guy a couple of years ago, got great service and good price. Recently we had a tiny issue which could not be fixed over the phone. Guy was more than happy to come out and look at it 2 days later. All fixed! I really appreciated his patience with me and accommodating us so quickly. Great old fashioned service and piece of mind. I love it. I know where to get my second desk when needed. Thank you Guy. Jo Manning

Deborah Hunt 25/07/24

Google
ergomotion were fantastic to deal with. excellent customer service and a great product.

Andrew Pieterse 14/06/24

Google
Great service and really quick shipping. It is great to know that you are getting quality parts from a Scandinavian manufacturer with your standing desk purchase rather than the cheap knock off stuff you get from other major brands. Reasonably priced for the quality too!

Janette Clarke 20/05/24

Google
Guy was very accommodating with meeting him at a time that suited me. He assembled the desk prior to me collecting so I only had to carry it inside with help (it's pretty heavy). The desk is great, the storage racks underneath with the 6 x built in powerpoints was worth the extra money. I have a functioning & tidy workplace.
Guy was brilliant, I highly recommend.
Janette

Nickel 10/05/24

Google
Have now purchased 2 stand up office desks off Guy, benchmark sales service from him, all via email, so easy; from quote to plug in, only matched by the strong quality of these machines, solid and stable. If only everything in life was this easy and reliable.

Jennifer Fadriquela 23/03/24

Google
I purchased an EDesk this month from Ergomotion, and it was a remarkably smooth transaction. Guy was eager to answer all my questions before my purchase. As a first-time buyer of a standing desk, I truly appreciated how he addressed my queries with thorough details and provided options within my budget.

The delivery process was also smooth, despite a slight delay in the ETA. Guy ensured I received all necessary updates from the courier/removalist.

I've been using the desk for a couple of weeks now and I'm satisfied with it. It's sturdy on all height adjustments and the motor works as expected. I also like oak finish because it's clean-looking and suits my room setup.

Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and I'll definitely recommend Ergomotion to someone looking for their desk needs.

Josh Oliver 04/02/24

Google
I've had an ergomotion desk for 10 years. It's still as good today as it was brand new. Over the years Guy has always responded promptly to any guidance I've needed (mostly help putting the desk back together after removalists take it apart).

Michael Cheung 18/01/24

Google
Great service from Guy and the team at Ergomotion! Helped with all my queries and was able to source a standing desk part for me when many others weren't able! Highly recommend!
Read more...